Renewed support from Glencore, one of the world’s largest resource companies, will see Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service pilots receive state of the art training to ensure they remain equipped to deliver the best in aeromedical support across Northern NSW.
Westpac has attended 16 incidents on the Central Coast in the past 12 months alone.
A continued six figure investment by Glencore extends the partnership to the end of 2020 and sees Glencore recognised as an official training Partner of the Service, focusing on supporting the training of pilots.
“With our service operational 24-7, in all weather conditions, the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the skills and training of our pilots and aircrews is vital,” Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO, Richard Jones, said.
“We place the highest priority on the importance of training for our crews and pilots to ensure success and sustainability of our world class service and we are fortunate to have a company such as Glencore share that objective with us and partner us in delivering this life saving service for the communities that we share.”
The continued partnership sees Glencore provide funding to help the Service’s pilots complete 250 hours of simulator (SIM) training in Category ‘D’ simulators based in Sydney to help maintain competency under Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations.
This training aims to increase skill levels of operational personnel for all scenarios and to reduce risk of mishap to patients, aircraft and crew.
“Glencore has supported the Service for a number of years, most recently contributing to help fund a new GeoSim – Flight Simulator at the Service’s Belmont base, which will be installed and launched later this year,” Glencore Community Relations Manager, Craig Strudwick, said.
“Like our employees in the mining industry, the pilots rely on advanced operational skills and a high level of training in order to do their jobs safely.
“By supporting the Service, we can help to ensure all pilots have access to cutting edge training so they can continue to provide the best possible service to our communities.
“Having a service like the Westpac Rescue Helicopter is really valued in our communities and it’s something that Glencore is incredibly proud to continue to support.”
Source:
Media release, Jun 5
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service